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World Rugby has outlined the detailed path for the sport's return to action in a document drawn up by the Wales team’s medical chief Prav Mathema and a number of other experts.

The guidelines, which can be updated and changed at any time as governments tackle the coronavirus pandemic, are extensive with there being strict requirements on all teams, whether they are professional or amateur.

They provide the framework for national unions, such as the WRU, to create policies for a return to activity in their own jurisdiction which comply with local laws, including those on social distancing and public travel (PST).

Under the guidelines, players would initially have to remain 1.5 metres apart during training, travel alone to matches and shower at home after training. All players and staff would also be encouraged to wear face masks.

The restrictions would be loosened over a series of phases that could each last a number of weeks.

Completing a symptom COVID-19 questionnaire before leaving home to identify if they have had a high temperature or fever overnight, developed a cough, shortness of breath, sore throat or are feeling unwell.

If they have, they should remain at home, contact their team or own doctor.

All players having their temperature checked prior to entering their team’s clubhouse or training facility.

If a person’s temperature is above 37.5 centigrade they will be sent home and advised to contact their team or own doctor.

Adhere to hygiene rules which include regular disinfection of heavily used areas and surfaces.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT DURING INITIAL TRAINING RETURN

The guidelines will clearly have a huge impact on training, with the following rules recommended:

Generous social distancing of at least 1.5m.

Handshake and hugging must be avoided.

Where possible, all players and staff should wear face masks to prevent possible spread from asymptomatic, infected players. Use of gloves can also reduce the risk of infection.

If wearing face masks isn't possible, training should be held outdoors to limit possible aerosol and droplet transmission.

Squads should be divided into groups with their size determined by government regulations with training planned in a staggered manner to avoid overlapping.

Where possible each group should be assigned a specified coach, who would only supervise that group and not come into physical contact with the rest of the squad.

Players should avoid showering and eating at their training venues, and travel alone to and from training, unless they are already living in the same household.

Meetings with coaching staff should be completed digitally, outdoors or if not possible indoors in spaces which would allow a person adequate room and, where possible, with all players and staff wearing face masks.

Equipment sharing should be avoided where possible. When it is required, such as in the gym, equipment should be sanitised between groups.

Water bottles should be clearly marked and not shared. Spitting should be avoided.

Communal nutritional supplements should not be used.

Training load should be carefully monitored and gradually raised.

RETURNING TO FULL SQUAD AND CONTACT TRAINING

It’s suggested, once government social distancing measures are reduced and schools and non-essential business reopen, small group training gatherings of up to 10 people would be allowed, subject to adequate club screening capacity.

A further reduction of PST measures, allowing gatherings of up to 50 would allow full squad non-contact training, again subject to club screening.

The resumption of full contact training would be permitted when PST measures or a specific Government exemption allow. This would need to be backed up by screening, testing and contact tracing.

Players must complete a graduated conditioning programme to reduce the risk of injury.

If a player or member of staff becomes infected with Covid-19 at any point, teammates, other staff and close contacts would require immediate testing and quarantine.